Review Reports

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Dear authors

After reviewing this manuscript, I believe this work can be published with minor revisions.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

In this article, Kalka and Drzymała evaluated the suitability of Vicia faba for genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and mutagenicity testing, with a focus on wastewater containing pharmaceutical residuals (diclofenac and sulfamethoxazole). The activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) in plant leaves was also evaluated. The study is relevant, but some minor points need to be considered by the authors:

- Abstract and Discussion sections: In the abstract, the authors describe the main results of the studies, but there is no clear description concerning the suitability of Vicia faba for genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and mutagenicity testing. Is this system suitable for this purpose or not? What are the system’s advantages and limitations? These aspects need to be stated briefly in the abstract and in detail in the discussion section.

- 2.1.1. Drugs tested: Please describe some information about the “real-world” impact on water ecosystems and human health of pollution by diclofenac and sulfamethoxazole.

- 2.1.2. Constructed wetlands: Please include a photo (figure) showing the laboratory version of vertical-flow constructed wetlands used in the study.

- 2.2.1. Germination of Vicia faba seeds: Include a representative figure/panel showing Vicia faba seed germination as well as micronuclei and chromosomal aberrations.

- Figure 1: Include the meaning of the abbreviations cited on the y-axis in the figure caption (consider the same comment for other figure legends).

- 4. Discussion: Please include references supporting the information described in the first paragraph of the discussion section.

 

- 4. Discussion: Mention the advantages of using Vicia faba for genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and mutagenicity testing compared to other plant species already used for this purpose (e.g., Allium cepa).

The English is fine for scientific purposes.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx